Established in 1893, Montana’s first university remains its leading liberal arts institution with students choosing from 53 fields of study for their bachelor’s degree, 52 fields of study for master’s degrees and 10 fields for doctoral degrees.  The university is acclaimed for its high number of Rhodes Scholars, and a strong creative writing program and journalism school count among their alumni a number of best-selling authors as well as seven Pulitzer Prize winners, an extraordinary number for any university.

Within the state of Montana, the university is a major source of research, continuing education, economic development, fine arts and entertainment, as well as a driving force in strengthening Montana’s ties with the nations and economic opportunities of the Pacific Rim.  Faculty members engage in a wide range of research, creative activity and public service, with projects ranging from monitoring global warming for NASA to developing new ways to teach mathematics in our nation’s classrooms.

Beyond the expansive lawns and tree-lined walks of the Missoula campus lie further educational opportunities.  With more than three million acres of nearby wilderness, UM offers a strong natural resource curriculum with opportunity for hands-on experience.  The University operates the 30,000 acre Lubrecht Experimental Forest (managed by the School of Forestry) and the oldest, active biological station in the country – Flathead Lake Biological Station – a world renowned facility for ecological studies and freshwater research.

Neighboring the university is the city of Missoula, Montana, a friendly community of about 70,000 people.  The downtown business district is only a footbridge away from campus, and students are drawn to the community’s outdoor activities, farmer’s markets and lively cultural offerings.  The community has become home to many writers and artists, who derive inspiration from the nearby mountains, lakes and rivers.  The surrounding area offers every conceivable type of outdoor recreation.

The Missoula community and the students of UM take particular pride in their “Grizzlies,” and the Griz have repaid this support with prominent records in NCAA Division I athletics.  Not only are intercollegiate sports popular, but three out of four students get involved in at least one of the 25 intramural sports offered through the Campus Recreation program.

With excellent academic programs, active campus life, beautiful environment and friendly atmosphere, The University of Montana offers an educational opportunity unlike any other.